Romans 4:24

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Romans 4:24 (KJV)

Context

Paul has been explaining how Abraham was counted righteous through faith, not by works. In Romans 4:23, he notes that the words “it was imputed to him” were written not for Abraham alone, but for all who would follow his example of faith. This verse applies that promise directly to believers.

The Greek word translated “imputed” is the same accounting term used for Abraham in Romans 4:22. It means to credit or reckon something to someone’s account. Just as God credited righteousness to Abraham because he believed, so He credits righteousness to every person who believes in the God who raised Jesus from the dead.

Meaning

The object of faith is specific: God the Father, who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. This is not a general trust in God’s existence, but a confident reliance on the God who performed the resurrection. The resurrection is the divine act that secures the believer’s justification, as Romans 4:25 states that Christ “was raised again for our justification.”

Abraham believed God could give life to the dead—his own body and Sarah’s womb. Believers trust the same God, who has already demonstrated that power by raising Jesus. The faith is the same in principle: trusting God’s promise and power against all appearances.

Righteousness is credited, not earned. It is a legal declaration by God, grounded in the work of Christ and received through faith. No human effort or merit contributes to this gift.

Application

This verse calls every believer to examine the object and nature of their faith. Saving faith is directed toward the God who raised Jesus from the dead. It is not merely intellectual agreement, but a personal trust that rests on the resurrection as the proof of God’s power and the ground of our justification.

Because righteousness is imputed through faith, believers can have assurance. Their standing before God does not depend on their own performance, but on the finished work of Christ and the faithfulness of God who raised Him.

Reflection

Do you believe in the God who raises the dead? The same God who gave life to Abraham’s body and raised Jesus from the tomb offers righteousness to all who trust Him. Let this truth strengthen your confidence in His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.